Fundraising and Financing for Independent Documentary Films: An Intensive Seminar

Raising funding for quality independent documentaries can be challenging so NYWIFT and Women Make Movies have teamed up to present a comprehensive, all-day seminar exploring the diverse sources of funding available for independent film and video makers, including grants, television pre-sales and on-line communities.

This seminar will provide unique access to funders and television executives looking for projects, including those representing foundations and broadcasters. Plus you’ll hear from independent filmmakers who have successfully raised the funds they needed to complete their docs. Find out what financing is still out there and how you can get it.

Panel I
Broadcasters and TV Sales
10:00 - 11:30

This is a rare chance to hear what broadcasters are funding, how much money is available and how to get time on their channels. If you have ever hoped for a national broadcast, don’t miss this opportunity to hear directly from some of the most important decision makers working in public television and cable today.

Finding financing can seem nearly impossible, but recently four new funders have entered the field, each with a solid commitment to make money available for documentary production. This panel offers rare access to representatives of these new funding organizations. Gain insight into what they look for in a proposal, grant application and trailer. Know the common mistakes to avoid before you submit your application, and take away strategies that will ensure your project stands out during the panel review.

This panel features filmmakers who have successfully raised money for their projects from a broad array of funders. How did they do it? As funding gets tighter, filmmakers need to be more creative to get their projects off the ground. Each of our panelists navigated the funding maze and received money from a variety of sources, including foundations, the government and individuals. Learn how you too can crack the funding nut.

Panelists include
Alice Elliot, Director, Body & Soul: Diana & Kathy and Academy-Award nominated The Collector of Bedford Street
Kavery Kaul—director, Long Way From Home and One Hand Don't Clap
Shola Lynch, Director, Free Angela & All Political Prisoners and Speaking Plain: Shirley Chisholm
Laura Poitras, Director, Release and Academy-Award nominated My Country, My Country
Moderator: Tracie Holder—Consultant, Women Make Movies and co-producer/director, Joe Papp In Five Acts
Panel IV
Social Networking and the Web: New Technologies and Fundraising for Your Film
4:00 – 5:30

With its ability to reach people far and wide, the internet seems an obvious place to search for funding. It not only offers the potential to raise money for your documentary project, it also helps build your audience along the way. How can you build an electronic community willing to help fund your project? This panel explores the brave new world of online funding and community building. Join us as we discuss both the potential pitfalls and the avenues to success available online.

NYWIFT programs, screenings and events are supported, in part, by grants from New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council, and New York State Council on the Arts with the support of Governor Andrew Cuomo and the New York State Legislature.